The Hastings High volleyball team competed in state for the first time since 2008 on November seventh. School was released for the day, and many students traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska to see the team compete against Skutt, the number one ranked team in Class B. Hastings High ended up losing to Skutt zero sets to three.
Hastings’ team scored only 13points throughout the three sets, but they stayed positive and kept each other’s spirits up.
“Everybody just realized that state was our last ‘hoorah’ as a team and we thought there was no reason to get down on ourselves. We definitely lived by our motto “We Over Me” every day,” senior Brooke Aspen said.
Although the players were disappointed with their scores, they were happy that they had the opportunity to compete at state. Dacey Sealey, a junior and hitter, competed at state for the first time.
“I went in hoping to play a little better than we ended up scoring, but nonetheless it was exciting to be on the court with the girls,” Sealey said.
David Hepner, the head coach, named many times when the team was flying high after coming back to win the set and then the game. Focusing on these times is what kept the team’s spirits up throughout the season.
“I don’t recall too many low spots during the season, and while we did lose some players during the season, we ended with the people that wanted to be here and that makes for good unity and team morale,” Hepner said.
The stands in the Pinnacle Bank Arena were definitely not lacking in tiger pride. Many students came out for the game to show their support.
“My favorite part about state volleyball was definitely taking everything in and looking up and seeing so many Hastings Tigers fans there that were so proud of us, regardless of the end result,” Aspen said.
Just like in every sport, the seniors are sad to go, but this gives the younger players a chance to step up and show what they can do.
“It will be sad to see the seniors go, but I’m glad they had the opportunity to go to state their last year, and I know we will have a strong team next year,” Sealey said.
Despite a disappointing finish at state, the season as a whole had so many positive moments.
“You never truly are happy when a season ends unless you are the state champs as a coach, but I could not be more proud of this team and the way they overcame all season long,” Hepner said.
